After three years of preparation, the Fiji Sago Palm Species Recovery Plan has been endorsed by the Department of the Environment.
At a meeting of stakeholders including the Departments of Environment, Forestry and Agriculture, the President of the Soga Landowner’s Association, private Fiji Sago Palm growers, National Trust for Fiji and Conservation International, on 25th June 2010, the final Fiji Sago Palm Recovery Plan was discussed and endorsed by all parties.
The Department of the Environment subsequently ratified the endorsement of the plan as its official plan for the species.
NatureFiji-MareqetiViti’s Fiji Sago Palm and Sustainable Management Project has been running for three years now and NFMV has conducted widespread consultation and awareness with the Sago Palm landowners.
It has also been working with the Culanuku community on the restoration of their 30 ha stand of wild sago.
Once written off as ‘beyond recovery’, this stand will now be able to support sustainable harvesting in 24 months time. NFMV is working with the Serua Provincial Council to set up the Soga Landowners’ Assocation to better organise the marketing of Sago Thatch.
NFMV has imported 3,000 seeds of the Peach Palm from Hawaii. Peach Palm, originated in south America but is now the species of choice for the production of commercial heart of palm. The seeds have germinated well and will planted out this month. Heart of Palm production should commence in 12-18 months time.
NFMV gratefully acknowledges the support of the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust, the British High Commission and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community for their support for the project.